An application of telemedicine technology for otorhinolaryngology diagnosis

Applications of interactive video communications for providing remote telemedicine consultations are under study. Most of these applications use "off the shelf" medical peripheral devices that are not specifically designed for telemedicine examinations. This study reports a field trial of the telemedicine instrument pack (TIP), a small self-contained unit under development by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for use in spaceflight. Patients with otorhinolaryngology problems were selected from a primary care practice and examined with the TIP by a technician under the direction of a remote consultant. The equipment proved adequate for examination of the posterior nose, hypopharynx, and larynx. Examinations of the ear and oropharynx with the TIP were not optimal, suggesting a need for further modifications of this prototype unit.